Just like traditional athletes, e-athletes live and breathe their sport.

When we picture athletes, we usually think of muscles, sweat, and packed stadiums—not gamers in front of glowing screens.

But professional gamers—known as e-athletes—are now training, performing, and even feeling pressure just like traditional athletes.

Let’s find out how gaming is seriously blurring the line between virtual sport and traditional athleticism!

Training Like the Pros: Hours and Dedication

Think NBA stars and NFL players have tough training schedules?

They absolutely do—usually 6-8 hours daily, with intense exercise, strategic planning, and reviewing gameplay footage.

But surprise! E-athletes have equally rigorous routines.

At some organisations, varsity esports players practice seven hours straight every weekday, while professional teams can train up to 12 hours a day, even on weekends.

And it’s not just gaming: players often balance gameplay with studying opponents, refining strategies, and managing social media outreach.

Physical Stress—From Video Games?

It might seem crazy, but competitive gaming can actually be physically intense.

A 2016 study by the German Sports University revealed that e-athletes experience stress levels comparable to race car drivers, producing high levels of cortisol (that’s the stress hormone).

Their heart rates can spike between 160 to 180 beats per minute—similar to marathon runners!

Why so intense? E-athletes have to rapidly process visual info, make lightning-fast decisions, and coordinate precise hand movements.

Their brains and bodies are working overtime, constantly calculating strategies and reacting instantly—something few traditional sports demand at this level.

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Popularity: Move Over, Super Bowl?

Traditional sports have massive viewership.

The Super Bowl drew over 111 million viewers in 2017 alone.

But Esports finals are catching up fast.

Predictions estimated over 70 million viewers watching esports events by 2020, surpassing almost every American sports final except the NFL.

Not only that, young adults—especially men aged 18–25—are now tuning into esports more often than traditional sports.

With its global reach and universal appeal, esports is well on its way to becoming as big a cultural event as traditional sports championships.

Big Bucks—or Just Small Change?

There’s one area, though, where traditional sports clearly lead: money.

NBA and NFL stars regularly earn millions annually, with generous salaries, endorsements, and long-term financial stability.

E-athletes, on the other hand, have it tougher. Fixed salaries exist, but usually only for top-tier teams, ranging roughly from $12,500 for a short-term contract to about $65,000 annually.

Most e-athletes rely heavily on cash prizes, occasional sponsorships, and income from streaming platforms like YouTube. And although competition prizes can reach millions, this money is split between team members—often leaving players with far less than traditional athletes.

Career Length and Life After Esports

Another challenge for e-athletes? Career longevity.

NFL players average just over three years, already short—but esports players often only last one to two years at their peak.

After pouring intense energy into their sport, many e-athletes face limited career opportunities once they retire, lacking the coaching gigs, endorsements, or media roles common for traditional athletes.

Redefining What It Means to Be an Athlete

All these parallels lead to a big question: should we rethink how we define "athlete"?

Considering their rigorous training, physical and mental stress, rising popularity, and growing professional support, e-athletes might soon earn recognition (and compensation!) similar to traditional sports stars.

Fun Fact: Professional teams house players in bootcamp facilities where they eat, sleep, and train under coaches’ supervision, mirroring immersion camps for track or swimming squads.